Councillor calls for homelessness advocate as Leitrim struggles with emergency accommodation

There is a severe shortage of emergency accommodation in Leitrim, with just one emergency accommodation provider in the county.

Independent councillor Eddie Mitchell has been expressing concern about people in North Leitrim seeking emergency accommodation who have been relocated to areas like Ballinamore, making it challenging for them to keep their jobs and disrupting their children's schooling.

During September's meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District, Cllr Mitchell tabled a motion addressing the issue of emergency accommodation in North Leitrim. 

This month, he called on Leitrim County Council to consider appointing an advocate to support individuals at risk of homelessness.

“I acknowledge the work that the Council is doing in seeking emergency accommodation in North Leitrim and I ask that the Council consider appointing someone to act in an advocacy role to support people that are at risk of homelessness," Cllr Mitchell said.

Leitrim County Council expands search for emergency accommodation providers

Leitrim County Council are accepting Expression of Interest forms from guest accommodation providers with a deadline of October 25.

A reply from the Director of Services, Housing and Community, Corporate Services, Cultural  and Emergency Services explained the Housing Team has in place a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Placefinder/Homeless Officer whose role is to work with families and individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Support is also available through the Housing First Programme to help single applicants exit emergency accommodation and maintain their tenancies. 

Furthermore, tenancy sustainment services are also provided by Sophia Housing and Focus Ireland on behalf of Leitrim County Council.

Leitrim County Council have recently expanded their search for emergency accommodation providers by opening Expression of Interest forms.

These forms are intended for people who own private guest accommodation, who wish to have their facilities and rooms added to the Council’s list of emergency accommodations.

Leitrim County Council will nominate clients and pay the agreed fee directly to the accommodation provider as required.

READ MORE: Leitrim International Protection Centre provides support but requires improvement, says HIQA